AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Training: The RV Shop in New Castle is hosting RV Technical Institute Level 1 certification training on site for seven employees, in partnership with the RV Women’s Alliance—so service and front-office staff earn the same credential. Education & Accountability: Delaware educators and civil rights leaders are pushing back hard on the state’s proposed school accountability plan, arguing it repeats past top-down approaches that pulled money away from classrooms. College Enrollment Shock: Temple University hit a record first-year class in 2025, then lost nearly a quarter of those students by the next year—raising fresh questions about retention and school finances. Cost of Living: Heating oil and other petroleum prices are at or near record highs, with winter costs tied to ongoing geopolitical disruptions. Community Health: Chester County, PA is seeing a major measles surge (83 cases), and officials are ramping up outreach and pop-up clinics as the outbreak threatens to spread into more under-vaccinated areas. Local Traditions: Newark’s Main Street Mile marked its 20th anniversary, keeping the city’s signature charity run alive. Youth & Learning: Surf Bagel’s “Books to Bagels” program is rewarding Delaware students’ reading goals with free bagel coupons, scaling from a pilot to 1,000+ participating classrooms. Human Services: Delaware’s Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention and Action Summit brought together more than 150 professionals in Dewey Beach to tackle myths and improve the state’s response. Arts & Giving: SoDel Fest’s final run donated $400,000 to 17 local nonprofits, including mental health support for Delaware hospitality workers.

Data Center Backlash: A new wave of public anger over data centers is colliding with climate concerns, from water use to heat and grid strain, as Delaware-area leaders weigh limits and rules. Immigration & Work Visas: Delaware employers filed 13 H-1B petitions in 2025 in the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services category, with all approved. Delaware Politics & Community: U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester will speak at the 14th RD Democrats meeting Oct. 12, rallying voters ahead of Election Day. Faith & Local Space: Church of the Resurrection dedicated a new Parish Community Center in New Albany, expanding ministry space and gathering opportunities. Reading Incentives: Surf Bagel’s “Books to Bagels” program is rewarding Delaware students for reading goals, with 1,000+ classrooms participating this school year. Human Trafficking Focus: Delaware’s Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention and Action Summit in Dewey Beach brought together health, law enforcement, and advocates to tackle myths and coordinate response. Education Under Legal Pressure: The federal government sued the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for certain noncitizens. Arts & Heritage: Philadelphia’s Chinatown celebrated resilience and immigrant rights at the Mid-Autumn Festival, with performances and community events. Sports & Local Pride: Colgan graduate Brett Renfrow won the 2026 Nick Adenhart Amateur Player of the Year award from the Mid Atlantic Scouts Association.

Children’s Health: Pennsylvania health officials are bracing for measles to spread beyond the current outbreak, with 943 confirmed cases and five measles-associated deaths reported across 39 counties—especially worrying in Lancaster County where vaccine uptake is low. Delaware Philanthropy: Delaware’s children’s health gets a major boost: a new $950 million, 11-year agreement ties the Delaware Attorney General’s Office, the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust, and the Nemours Foundation to long-term care and well-being. Public Safety & Community Activism: In Philadelphia, No ICE Philly protesters rallied outside a parking garage tied to ICE leasing, pushing the Philadelphia Parking Authority to end the arrangement. Human Rights & Local Response: Delaware hosted its inaugural Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention and Action Summit in Dewey Beach, aiming to move beyond myths and build coordinated action across health care, law enforcement, and survivor voices. Arts & Culture: Philadelphia’s Chinatown filled with music, dance, and lion performances for the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrating immigrant community resilience. Community Spotlight: Dewey Goes Pink drew more than 6,000 people to raise funds for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Local Giving: SoDel Fest donated $400,000 to 17 Delaware nonprofits after its final event. Sports & Education: A “Meet Your Judges” courthouse event brought students into the legal system through mock hearings and Q&A. Higher Ed Watch: The U.S. Department of Justice sued the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for students not lawfully present.

Immigrant Culture & Community: Philadelphia’s Chinatown filled with music, lion dances, and family-friendly crafts for the 31st annual Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrating Asian American roots and resilience. Local Philanthropy: SoDel Fest’s final event wrapped up with $400,000 donated to 17 Delaware nonprofits, backing causes from children’s health and hunger relief to arts education. Human Rights & Public Safety: Delaware’s Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention and Action Summit brought together health care, law enforcement, and survivors in Dewey Beach to push beyond myths and toward coordinated action. Civic Learning: Students visited the Delaware County Courthouse for “Know Your Judges,” sitting in on mock hearings and meeting judges and attorneys to learn how the court system works. Arts & Education Spotlight: Delaware’s Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust and Nemours Foundation announced a $950 million, 11-year agreement to fund children’s health and well-being through a new Delaware grant-making arm. Higher Ed Under Fire: The U.S. Department of Justice sued the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for noncitizens, arguing it violates federal law. Community Health: A new push highlights how hospitals can reduce medical debt through “presumptive eligibility,” aiming to make charity care easier to access. Local Events: Lewes’ Zwaanendael Museum is set for “Loyalist on the Lawn,” and Rocking the Docks will host Lewes Blues & Brews at the ferry terminal.

Federal Court Fight Over Tuition: The U.S. Department of Justice sued the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, arguing federal law bars residency-based benefits for people not lawfully present. Immigration & Community Pressure: Delaware groups and advocates are pushing candidates on immigration pathways, while protests and ICE enforcement actions keep spotlighting local impacts. Public Health & HIV Activism: HIV advocates rallied at City Hall to protest federal cuts that strip funding from clinics and roll back community-based HIV prevention programs. Education Culture Wars: Delaware landed 43rd in a national “Integrity in State Education” ranking, with top scores tied to gender/sexuality and teacher policies—another reminder that school policy remains a flashpoint. Arts & Local Life: Longwood Gardens is rolling out autumn programming, and Delaware’s cultural calendar stays busy with community events and performances. Wildlife Help: Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators shared practical tips on what to do when you find injured wildlife—don’t feed or handle. Delaware Philanthropy: A landmark $950M, 11-year agreement aims to boost children’s health through a new Alfred I. duPont Charitable Fund for Delaware’s Children.

Delaware Kids’ Health: Delaware and Florida are launching a $950M, 11-year Alfred I. duPont Charitable Fund for Delaware’s Children, aiming to expand nonprofit support for kids’ health and well-being. Immigrant Rights & Voting: A Delaware forum urged voters to press candidates on immigration pathways to citizenship and residency ahead of the election. State Honors: Gov. Matt Meyer named 10 Delawareans to the Order of the First State, including former Sen. Ernie Lopez and Children’s Beach House leader Richard Garrett. Higher Ed Under Fire: The Trump administration sued the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students. School Screen-Time Push: A bipartisan federal bill would reward states that restrict student cellphone use during the school day. Community & Culture: The Bucks County-set documentary series “Bucks County, USA” is now streaming on PBS after a canceled screening. Public Health Watch: CDC reported 3,887 measles cases nationwide as of Oct. 1, with Delaware among reporting jurisdictions. Local Life: The Delco 10-miler is Sunday, but organizers still need volunteers.

Education & AI at Delaware State University: Delaware State University is using ChatGPT-style tools to help turn qualitative assessment data into actionable teaching and learning improvements. Higher Ed Strategy at UD: The University of Delaware continues to refine how it uses NSSE survey cycles to guide student-life decisions like belonging and career readiness. DOJ vs. UD Tuition Policy: The U.S. Department of Justice sued UD over its in-state tuition policy for certain undocumented students, arguing it violates federal law and disadvantages U.S. citizens. Literacy Access Pilot: Gov. Matt Meyer launched a pilot letting Delaware students use school IDs as juvenile library cards, starting with Eisenberg Elementary in 2026-27. Public Health Policy: Meyer signed Delaware’s harm reduction licensing framework, with phased regulations and measurable outcomes. Community Arts Funding: Georgetown’s GREAT Fund recommended $115,000 for 21 local nonprofits supporting recreation, education, and the arts. Local Events: Newark’s Music on Main (Oct. 3), Back the Bluey Day (Oct. 3), and the Main Street Mile (Oct. 4) bring music, community, and fundraising downtown. Nonprofit Support: Freeman Arts Pavilion’s Arts Supply Drive delivered $20,000+ in supplies to middle schools across Delaware and Maryland.

Education & Community Giving: Freeman Arts Pavilion’s annual Arts Supply Drive delivered $20,000+ in supplies (plus foundation matching checks) to 10 Delaware and Maryland middle schools, including all four Indian River middle schools, with teachers getting exactly what they requested. Holiday Lights & Local Culture: Longwood Gardens announced “A Longwood Christmas,” a cosmic-themed display running Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 10, 2027, featuring space-telescope imagery and celestial décor. Public Health & Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 249 and Executive Order 28 to create Delaware’s harm-reduction licensing framework, aiming for evidence-based overdose prevention and measurable outcomes. Higher Ed & Immigration: The DOJ sued the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, arguing it conflicts with federal law. Workforce & Training: A new report from the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades warns the U.S. needs 1.7 million skilled workers annually through 2035, but training output lags far behind—Delaware is listed among states where demand outpaces supply. Arts & Inclusion: A Delaware speech-language pathologist designed “Go Birds” shirts using communication picture squares for nonverbal students, with proceeds planned for the Eagles Autism Foundation.

Education & Access: Delaware pilot lets students use school-issued IDs as library cards, cutting forms and speeding up access to books and research. Creative Economy: Gov. Meyer signed a Delaware film tax credit to lure productions and boost local artists and jobs. Arts & Community: Ursuline secured a $2.5M lead gift for a new performing arts center in a historic Wilmington church, aiming for a 2028 opening. Literacy in Schools: Cape Henlopen earned a Bridge to Practice grant to expand early literacy training and supports for educators. Public Media: WHYY completed its acquisition of WPSU, keeping central and northern Pennsylvania’s PBS/NPR service running. Immigration & Families: Grassroots groups in Delaware are backing families targeted by ICE, helping with costs and searching for detained loved ones. Health & Equity: Research highlights low hepatitis B vaccination rates among liver transplant recipients, underscoring gaps in preventive care. Workforce Pipeline: RadNet and WIN-NextGen launched a mentorship and shadowing program to spark careers in medical imaging for teens and young adults.

Delaware History & Culture: John Dickinson Plantation’s new permanent exhibit, “One Land Many Voices,” debuts Oct. 10 in a new 14,000-square-foot visitor center, expanding the story beyond Dickinson to include the people who lived and labored there, with Gov. Matt Meyer proclaiming “One Land Many Voices Day.” Delaware Housing: The Delaware State Housing Authority is rebranding as “Housing Delaware,” rolling out a new name, logo, and redesigned website while keeping the same legal agency and web address. Public Media: WHYY finalized a deal with Penn State to take over and operate WPSU, helping keep the PBS/NPR affiliate from likely closure. Community & Safety: Chestertown’s council meeting tackled housing needs, recovery from a September fire, and controversy over a heavy police response to a permitted party. Education & Tech: Delaware State University is using ChatGPT to help integrate qualitative survey data into assessment, while UD continues to build strategy around NSSE student-engagement results. Health & Science: A study reports only 60% of liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B, raising concerns for risk reduction. Outdoor Delaware: DNREC updated hunting guidance for younger hunters after a state Supreme Court ruling, reinstating direct supervision rules for some ages. Arts & Pride: New Hope Celebrates kicks off “OUT in October,” culminating in the High Heel Drag Race on Oct. 25. Digital Government: Delaware earned an A- in the 2026 Digital States Survey for easier, more secure access to services.

Delaware Education & Culture: Delaware’s Teacher of the Year will be announced Oct. 13, with 20 educators nominated statewide and a classroom observation plus essays and a recorded presentation shaping the winner. Local Schools Funding: A new watchdog report warns that the U.S. Department of Education’s suspension of K-12 monitoring could leave billions in Title I dollars more vulnerable to waste and unreliable absenteeism reporting. Community Learning: Surf Bagel’s “Books to Bagels” program is expanding across Delaware classrooms, rewarding reading goals with coupons for bagels and cream cheese. Public History & Identity: John Dickinson Plantation’s new permanent exhibit, “One Land Many Voices,” opens Oct. 10 at the visitor center, using multi-sensory storytelling to honor Indigenous peoples, tenant farmers, and the free and enslaved Black community tied to the site. Youth & Civic Life: The League of Women Voters is hosting a District 41 state representative forum Oct. 15 in Selbyville, with questions submitted in advance and ASL interpretation available. Delaware Outdoors: DNREC updated hunting guidance after a Delaware Supreme Court ruling, tightening direct supervision rules for some 18-to-20 hunters depending on firearm type. Higher Ed Assessment: University of Delaware and Delaware State University are using NSSE survey data—and even AI tools at DSU—to better analyze student experience and support teaching and learning.

Delaware Hunting Rules Update: DNREC updated Delaware hunting regulations after a state Supreme Court ruling changed supervision requirements for hunters ages 18 to 20, creating a tricky firearm-by-firearm distinction while lawmakers plan fixes for next session. Education & Community: Delaware County Intermediate Unit launched a Structured Literacy Resource Hub to help educators and families implement structured literacy and intervention. Higher Ed, Delaware Style: University of Delaware and Delaware State University are using NSSE and AI tools like ChatGPT to improve assessment and turn student feedback into action. Local Civic Life: The League of Women Voters’ Lisa Malone will speak at an AAUW meeting in Rehoboth on LWV work beyond voter registration. School Incentives: Surf Bagel rolled out “Books to Bagels,” rewarding student reading goals with coupons. Arts & Heritage: John Dickinson Plantation’s new permanent exhibit, “One Land Many Voices,” debuts Oct. 10, with a statewide “One Land Many Voices Day” proclamation. Immigrant Community Spotlight: La Esperanza marks 30 years with the premiere of “Faces of Hope,” revisiting Sussex County’s Latino immigrant story. Public Health Watch: Delaware reported a second straight year of declining suspected drug overdose deaths, but officials warn nonfatal overdoses and contaminated drug risks remain.

Delaware Education & AI: Delaware State University is rolling out a “culture of curiosity” approach to using ChatGPT in assessment, teaching, and learning, aiming to turn qualitative student feedback into actionable insights. Delaware Higher Ed Strategy: The University of Delaware is tightening its National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) process with shared timelines and theme-based reporting to help units track belonging and career readiness. Opioid Settlement in Seaford: Seaford is using opioid settlement funds for more than enforcement—combining recreation and outreach to break the cycle of drug misuse and gun violence. Tech & Workflows: Soulog launched Soulog Sense, an ultra-thin AI voice recorder that links audio with images, text, and files to build a usable knowledge base. AI Governance Watch: Reuters reports Anthropic’s IPO filing sets up a new “Founder LLC” structure and keeps the company operating as a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation. College Sports Policy: A major federal bill to set national rules for college athletes’ pay and transfers passed the U.S. Senate and now heads to the House—Delaware’s senators split on it. Arts in Wilmington: Dayesla Ixtli’s “Diosas & Guerreras: The Living Canvas” opens Oct. 2 at the Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery, blending body transformation, mythology, and portrait photography. Residents’ Rights Month: Delaware long-term care advocates are spotlighting October’s theme, “Join Us at the Table,” centered on dignity and choice at mealtimes. Delaware Politics & Debates: GOP Senate nominee Mike Katz is pushing for a televised debate with Sen. Chris Coons after debate plans for 2026 were questioned.

Delaware Arts Spotlight: Wilmington’s Mezzanine Gallery opens Dayesla Ixtli’s wearable-art show “Diosas & Guerreras: The Living Canvas” Oct. 2–30, with a free reception Oct. 2, turning the body into “raw power” through myth, armor, prosthetics, and photography. Local Culture & Community: Delaware Division of the Arts also grabbed six National Federation of Press Women awards, including first- and second-place honors for arts storytelling. Civic Life & Debate: Republican U.S. Senate nominee Mike Katz is pushing for a televised debate with Chris Coons after campaign claims UD canceled its Delaware Debates program. Family Policy Watch: A Delaware Family Policy Council leader says abortion, parental rights, and education fights are likely to return to Dover with the new General Assembly. Education & Tech: Delaware State University and the University of Delaware are sharing how they’re using NSSE survey data—and AI tools like ChatGPT—to improve assessment and student learning. Justice & Safety: A former Delco assistant fire chief was sentenced to restrictive probation and house arrest after calling a woman the N-word during an argument. Arts on the Calendar: Wordsmiths Reading Series brings award-winning poets to Newtown Oct. 2, and the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival returns Oct. 17 with crafts, estuary learning, music, and kids’ activities.

Education & Belonging: Delaware State University is using ChatGPT to speed up analysis of NSSE open-ended student responses, turning qualitative feedback into actionable insights for assessment and teaching. Higher Ed Strategy: The University of Delaware is building a long-running NSSE system around shared timelines and theme-based reports (like belonging and career readiness) to support program reviews. Community & Care: Delaware County launched a doula directory and training push through the Delco Doula Collaborative, aiming to expand maternity support as local birth-center options shrink. Local Governance & Growth: A Sussex County citizen PAC, Save Our Sussex, is gearing up to back candidates focused on “managing” expanding growth. Reproductive Health Spotlight: Joe Biden accepted a Planned Parenthood award in Delaware, underscoring the fight over abortion access. Immigration Policy: Delaware’s Office of New Americans is in limbo as Gov. Matt Meyer weighs whether to sign a bill codifying the office amid staffing and budget cuts. Culture & Arts: Arthur Jafa’s “Elegy to America” opened at the New Museum, adding another major stop for Black cultural work. Weather Impact: A powerful nor’easter battered the region with flooding risk and widespread power outages, disrupting travel and events.

Education & AI in Delaware Higher Ed: Delaware State University is rolling ChatGPT into assessment and teaching workflows, aiming to turn qualitative survey data into actionable insights instead of leaving it stuck behind reports. Student Life Data: The University of Delaware is tightening its NSSE process across campus, using shared timelines and theme-focused reporting to support areas like belonging and career readiness. Reproductive Health in Delaware: Planned Parenthood of Delaware honored President Joe Biden at its gala, spotlighting his defense of abortion access and warning about the power of women’s votes. New Parent Support: Delaware County launched a doula directory and trained 30 doulas through the Delco Doula Collaborative, expanding Medicaid- and insurance-covered postpartum care after local birth-center closures. Immigration Services: Delaware’s Office of New Americans faces an uncertain future as Gov. Matt Meyer weighs whether to codify it, citing staffing and budget limits. Community & Culture: Milford’s library and museum will host a program on Charles Lindbergh’s legacy—“hero or villain?”—examining his aviation fame and controversial politics. Weather & Daily Life: A nor’easter battered the region with heavy rain, major coastal flooding risk, and widespread power outages, disrupting travel and events. Local Arts Spotlight: Filmmaker Lesley-Ann Wanliss’s short “Bright Sparks” is racking up festival selections, including a Delaware stop.